FL Southern Illinois Miners

Miners, Grizzlies Swap All-Stars in 4-Player Blockbuster Deal

Published on July 29, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release


MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have acquired all-star outfielder Stephen Holdren and left-handed reliever Adam Revelette from the Gateway Grizzlies in exchange for all-star closer Chris Wiman and outfielder Kevin Koski.

"Whenever you put together a major trade like this to help your team," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said, "in order to get outstanding players, you have to give up outstanding players."

Holdren had hit .318 with 17 home runs and 42 RBIs with Gateway this season. He has been named to the midseason all-star team in each of the last three seasons. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger is in his fourth season in the Frontier League and has 60 career home runs and 181 RBIs in 283 career games. He is currently leading the league in doubles (19), extra-base hits (37) and runs (61). He is tied for fourth in the league with 74 hits.

"I've watched Stephen Holdren dominate this league for the last three years," Pinto said. "He's an impact, middle of the order left-handed bat that will impact this baseball team immediately."

Revelette has no record and one save in 15 relief appearances for the Grizzlies this season. Despite his 4.64 season ERA, he has posted a 2.45 ERA and held opponents to a .095 average when not pitching in the shadow of the short porches at Gateway's GCS Ballpark.

"Adam Revelette is an experienced bullpen arm who has had success in getting big left-handed hitters out," Pinto said. "With so many teams having impact lefty hitters on their team, I felt it was important to add Adam at this time."

Former SIU Saluki Koski is the Miners all-time leader in stolen bases with 33. In parts of three seasons with the Miners, the left-handed hitter has hit .292. He has suffered season ending injuries in each of the last two seasons. He is currently on the injured list with an ankle injury but was hitting .303 with 25 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 39 games with Southern Illinois this year. He hopes to return to action within the next two weeks.

"Kevin did a tremendous job for us over the last three years," Pinto said. "It's hard to part with him, but with him on the shelf with the ankle injury and the importance of the games in the next two weeks, I thought this is a trade we had to do right now."

Wiman, a 25-year-old rookie began the season in the starting rotation where he went 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA. After four starts, he was moved to the bullpen where he assumed the closer's role. He leads the Miners with six saves and has held opponents to a .233 batting average this year. He was voted to the all-star team earlier this month. In 16 total appearances, he is 3-1 with a 3.20 ERA.

"Chris Wiman has done an exceptional job for us all year," Pinto said. "We're going to miss not only his competitiveness but also what a great fit he was in our clubhouse."

Holdren and Revelette are expected to be in uniform for Southern Illinois when the Miners begin a three-game series with first place River City tonight at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and a complete schedule, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.

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Frontier League Stories from July 29, 2009


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